CONCORD, N.H. — With the impending inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, a number of U.S. colleges and universities are advising international students to return to campus sooner rather than later. This advice comes amid concerns that Trump may reinstate travel restrictions similar to those from his first term in office.
Over a dozen institutions have encouraged their international student population to return before Trump takes over on January 20. While some students might need to return to classes for the spring semester, schools emphasize the importance of coming back early to minimize the risks so that students on academic visas can keep their educational plans intact.
Past Actions by Trump
During his first presidency, Trump established an executive order in January 2017 that prohibited travel to the U.S. from seven mostly Muslim countries, including Iraq, Syria, and Iran. This order not only affected tourists and families but also students and academics who found themselves either barred from boarding flights or detained upon arrival in the U.S. Over 40,000 visa applications were denied due to this ban. Although President Joe Biden lifted these restrictions in 2021, uncertainty remains about what Trump might do next.
Impact on International Students
Currently, more than 1.1 million international students are enrolled in American colleges, with a significant number coming from countries such as India and China. Jacky Li, an environmental studies major at the University of California, Berkeley, expressed concern about the growing anxiety among international students regarding possible new restrictions. He emphasized that if the U.S. seeks to foster academic freedom, it should not impose barriers to collaboration and research among countries.
Looking Forward
Though Trump’s transition team has not provided specific answers, he has signaled intentions to revive travel bans, adding the potential for ideological screenings to prevent entry for individuals deemed a threat. Recent statements from Trump reinforced his commitment to safeguarding national security by limiting entry from certain countries.
Guidance from Schools
In light of these developments, many schools, including prestigious Ivy League institutions, have advised students to return before Inauguration Day and prepare for possible delays during immigration checks. For example, Cornell University has warned that a new travel ban could likely be enacted soon after the inauguration, and students from previously targeted nations, as well as those from China and India, should plan to return before the semester starts on January 21.
Educational institutions are encouraging all students to be proactive amid this uncertain climate and to consider their travel plans carefully, as the upcoming changes in leadership might impact their academic future in ways that are still unclear.
